Muse & Music

Aaraadhana (1962) - A Telugu Movie

This Telugu movie came few months before Hindi "Prem Patra" came. Both movies were based on an original Bengali film. Telugu movie went on to become a success thanks to the performances by its leading pair and some beautiful music by Rajeshwara Rao. Couple of standout songs are Susheela's "Vennela Loni Vikaasame Veligincheda Nee Kanula" and Ghantasala's "Naa Hridayam Lo Nidurinche Cheli".

Now for the songs from this movie ...

Thank you Sawarapriya for sharing this beautiful album.

rpnawani

You're very welcome. Cheers. -S

(Saira) Pyar Mohabbat (1966)

Here is a fine musical from Shankar & Jaikishan. Because of the number of songs I am uploading them in back-to-back posts. Here is the first set of songs ...

Songs of "Pyar Mohabbat (1966)" Continued ...

Here are the rest of the songs ...

(Sharmila) Aamne Saamne (1967)

Here is a beautiful musical with some lovely songs by Rafi Saab ...

(Vyjayanti) Devdas (1955)

Here is Bimal Roy paying tributes to one of his mentors, P.C. Barua, who made "Devdas" back to back both in Bengali and Hindi in 1935. Bimalda was the cinematographer for both of those movies. Later there was a movie made in Tamil, around late 40's. But in 1953, it was made in both Telugu and Tamil with one of the greatest performances, by A. Nageshwara Rao. It was remade in Telugu in 1974 with disastrous results.

Bimalda's "Devdas" was a commercial failure. It had all the great elements to go with it, but for some reason it didn't click with the audience. All the principal actors gave wonderful performances. Burmanda had set the music that apparently reminds one of rural Bengal music culture. Vyjayantimala refused her Filmfare award as the best supporting actress because she claimed she was the heroine of the movie (she played "Chandramukhi") and should have given the award as the best actress.

I haven't seen Barua's "Devdas" but people tell how great it was. I am including songs from this 1935 version in this section following these uploads. Also, I will upload songs from both Telugu versions (1953 and 1974) in this section as well.

Because of the number of songs, I am uploading them in back to back posts. Here is the first set of songs ...

This post has been edited by swarapriya: Aug 24 2009, 03:52 AM

Some Extended Songs of "Devdas (1955)"

The following three extended versions of "Devdas" songs are by the courtesy of the Forum members ...

This post has been edited by swarapriya: Aug 23 2009, 12:40 AM

P.C. Barua's Classic "Devdas (1935)"

P.C. Barua was born in a family of kings. Growing up he developed an interest in photography and became an avid photographer. After graduating with a Bachelor degree, he went to study photography abroad. There while studying photography he got interested in the filmmakers of Europe who were famous in handling cameras. After returning to India, he served briefly as a legislative member of Assam but returned to Calcutta to be involved in film making. He acted in some silent movies and then decided to form his own company.

During this time he met Rabindranath Tagore. On his recommendation, he returned to Paris to study further cinematographic techniques. After returning from Europe, he decided to make (this was 1935) Sharat Chandra Chatterjee’s “Davdas” into a movie. He made the movie first in Bengali and then in Hindi. In Bengali version he himself played Devdas. For Hindi version he selected K.L. Saigal. His wife Jamuna played Parvati in both the movies. By the way, cinematographer for movie was Bimal Roy. This is the same Bimalda who will later make some great movies of his own, including once more “Devdas” in Hindi.

The Hindi version became a national craze. Saigal with brooding looks and resonant voice became a sensation and his songs made history. Barua introduced several new techniques with his “Devdas” movie that were a complete departure from the established norms in acting, dialogue delivery, and the subject treatment. He had his hero play the role by underplaying it. By looks, sighs, and pauses in between the dialogues.

Barua lived for only 48 years. In later years of his life he took to heavy drinking. He went to Switzerland for a surgery but he passed away soon after his return. In a brilliant and trail blazing glorious career, Barua who wanted to be a photographer was a cinematographer for only one movie (“Zindagi (1940)”). He wrote stories or screenplays for ten movies. Acted in 19. Directed 24. But he left behind a legacy of brilliant film work that will be remembered forever …

Timir Baran, the music director of this movie, came from a scholarly family. (See his picture below.) He was a student of Ustad Allauddin Khan. He toured Europe and USA with Uday Shankar’s Dance Troupe in 1930.

According to Kidar Sharma, the songs “Baalam Aaye Baso More Mann Mein” and “Dukh Ke Ab Din Beetat Naahi” from “Devdas” were composed by Saigal himself but recorded by Timir Baran. Saigal also sang the thumri “Piya Bin” that has no accompanying music. Baran was awarded the Sangeet Academy prize in 1950.

Baran also composed music for the national song “Vande Maataram” on a request from Subhash Chandra Bose. It was originally broadcast from the radio station in Singapore. Baran’s film work was limited to only few Bengali and Hindi movies.

I am uploading these songs from back to posts. Here is the first set of songs ...

This post has been edited by swarapriya: Aug 23 2009, 01:03 AM

Some Extended Version Songs of Barua's Classic "Devdas (1935)"

Here are some extended versions of songs from this immortal classic. I am also icluding Lata's version of "Baalam Aayo" from her "Shraddhanjali-3" album ...

This post has been edited by swarapriya: Aug 23 2009, 01:12 AM

Devadasu (1953) - A Telugu Film Classic

If someone asks me to pick just one movie in Telugu that is outstanding in every aspect, I probably will select “Devadasu” made in 1953. This is one great movie. Once you experience it you’ll never forget it for the rest of your life. It is that deeply affecting.

There were many Bengali stories made into very successful Telugu movies. But “Devadasu” is definitely a standout. Most of Sharat Chandraji’s novels were translated into Telugu. In fact by many different authors. But a standout among these is the translation done by Aluri Subba Rao. He was also popularly known as Chakrapani. He was also a partner of Vijaya movies who made so many great movies over the years as the team Nagi Reddi-Chakrapani. Many people know him as the editor of the children’s magazine called “Chandamama” which was published in various languages. He was also the editor of the monthly magazine called “Yuva” in Telugu. In this magazine, he published most of Sharat’s novels translated in Telugu as serials. They had a huge following. One beautiful thing about these translations was that Chakrapani changed the setting to Telugu from Bengali. He renamed some characters but retained most of the originals intact. Telugu “Devadasu” was based on Chakrapani’s translation.

It is surprising to know that the outfit that made the movie “Devadasu” was a relatively new one. D.L. Narayana, producer of the film, was a long time assistant at Bharani Studios and was there with them during their early movies, including classics like “Laila Majnu (1949)”. He wanted to make “Devadasu” badly. To get backing for his project, he made another movie called “Stree Saahasam (1951)”, which was his maiden venture as a producer. This movie starred Anjali and Akkineni Nageshwara Rao (ANR). It was a female oriented movie, and it turned out to be a box office bonanza for DL.

With the cash in hand, DL ventured out to make “Devadasu” in both Telugu and Tamil starting in late 1951. He recruited Vedantam Raghavayya to direct the movie. He signed C.R. Subbaraman, with whom he worked in “Laila Majnu”, to provide the music. He cast ANR for the role of Devadasu and Janaki for the role of Parvati. The movie went into production and Subbaraman composed music for all 10 songs and recorded nine of them. But when he was only 29 years old, Subbaraman passed away. The tenth song was completed by his assistants Vishwanthan & Rama Murty. Mystery shrouded around the death of the brilliant Subbaraman and there were many rumors about how he died. With the morale of the crew down, DL decided to shelve the project, at least temporarily.

DL went onto make another movie in 1952 called “Shanti” in which a new actress, who appeared in”Samsaaram” in a bit role before, and few other mvies, had a major supporting role. Her name was Savitri. In 1953, when DL decided to resume his activities with “Devadasu”, Janaki was no longer available as she was committed to several other movies. DL, in a very bold step, decided to cast Savitri, a relatively newcomer, as Parvati. Savitri appeared as an extra for the first time in a movie called “Samsaaram” in 1950. After that she had acted in bit roles to small supporting roles in “Paataala Bhairavi (1951)”, “Roopavati (1951)”, “Aadarsham (1952)”, “Palletooru (1952)”, “Priyuraalu (1952)”, “Shaanti (1952)”, “Pelli Chesi Choodu (1952)”, “Sankraanti (1952)”, and “Bratuku Teruvu (1953)”. (“Bratuku Teruvu”, many years later, in 1969 was made as “Jeene Ki Raah” in Hindi by the great L.V. Prasad where Tanuja played the role of Savitri.) But with the role of Parvati, Savitri has arrived. For next two plus decades she ruled Telugu cinema like no other actress before her, or since then. Granted this was ANR’s movie all the way. But Savitri, one of the greatest actresses of our time, frame for frame was also unforgettable in her portrayal of Parvati. (Pictures of ANR and Savitri are attached.)

Stories were written how ANR prepared for the role. Not of a big physique, to look very lean and pale ANR fasted for several weeks. Stories abounded that he couldn’t even walk without much help. The shooting went on for nearly two months where ANR is shown as a drunkard. Also, apparently all scenes where ANR appears as a drunkard were shot during the nights. ANR told reporters few years back reminiscing how his “Devadas” was made that the director kept him awake all night to have that special effect of giving a droopy, drunken, and melancholic look. No wonder even Dilip Kumar went on record to congratulate ANR for such a superb acting.

There was a scene in the movie where Parvati bangs her head against a door. While shooting this scene, it was reported that Savitri was so involved in her role that she started banging her head in earnest. By the time Raghavayya, the director, realized it and grabbed her away from the door, her forehead was apparently soaked in blood.

Director Raghavayya had a super cameraman working for him. His name was B.S. Ranga. Ranga later turned a producer and made several noteworthy movies (“Amara Shilpi Jakkanna” and “Tenali Rama Krishna”). The picturization of some of the songs leaves one with the impression that may be someone like Guru Dutt was at work. But Guru’s “Pyaasa” came four years later than this “Devadasu”. Especially the picturization of two songs are worth mentioning. The song “Kala Idani” was picturized in a room with ANR having a glass in his half raised left hand. The only light into the room is through the window to his back. Part of the light shines on the desk next to where ANR is sitting. The second scene is the song “Jagame Maaya”. I will say more about this below.

Devadasu (1953) - A Telugu Film Classic Continued ...

We come to the songs of the film. Some of the greatest songs sung by Ghantasala are in this movie. (See his picture in the attachment.) He had four solos and two duets in the movie. People still remember fondly his solos, especially the songs “Jagame Maaya”, “Kala Idani”, and “Kudi Edamaite”. Much of the success of the movie also owes in part due to the popularity of these songs that are as good as gold even today. It was said that to sing “Jagame Maaya”, Ghantasala apparently went on a fast for few weeks (by some reports 41 days, that is almost six weeks!) to give that splendid hair raising experience. The immeasurable pathos, the unending despair, the immense hopelessness, the heart rendering grief, and the intense helplessness all these emerge in his voice as expressed by ANR superbly on the screen. The song, the scene where ANR has a glass of liquor in his hand, sitting under the lamp in a lonely street in the middle of a night, with a stray dog giving him a vigil is just heartbreaking. This stunning scene itself is one of the landmark moment in the Telugu film history. (See the attached picture below.)

The rich lyrics were written by Samudrala Sr. But there are some people who are of the opinion that some of the songs were written by Mallaadi Rama Krishna Shastri. May be. Or may be not. But the fact remains that these songs are rich in meaning and affect you deeply.

This is such a great movie that one can write volumes about it. I have seen this umpteen number of times. I always come out with such a deep satisfactioin of watching a classic that sparkles like a diamond. The experience in the end hopelessly consumes one with so much grief for the love lost …

Now for the memorable songs from this album ...

This post has been edited by swarapriya: Aug 23 2009, 09:11 PM

Devadasu (1974) - A Telugu Movie

The wife and husband team of Vijaya Nirmala and Krishna remade this movie with disastrous results. In the new movie Vijaya Nirmala played Parvati to Krishna's Devadasu. Vijaya Nirmala also directed the movie. When this movie was released, on the same day the 1953 classic was also released. The old classic went on to run successfully once again whereas the new version bombed. Only noteworthy feature of the movie was its music. Always dependable Ramesh Naidu delivered it again. Here are the songs ...

This post has been edited by swarapriya: Aug 23 2009, 01:51 AM

Thank you very much Swarapriya for sharing so many wonderful albums in great quality.

SP..it was a pleasure reading your note.
Devadasu is surely one classic which transcends times and ages...It has come to stay in every telugu person as an epitome of ultimate jilted lovers, denied by destiny and yet retaining the basic decency of the humane values and social responsibilities..Ofcourse, the name Devadasu has become synonymous with a person who is enslaved to liquor. Infact, i noted that a liquor shop near our town's bus stand was named after him !
Even to this day, the young people comment that someone has become a "Devadasu" over a girl. Am sure that most of them havent even seen the film, but as i said before, Devadasu has come to stay in our minds for eternity.
Just to add a few words..which i have learnt through books...
Chakrapani became seriously ill at one time and was admitted to a hospital where he stayed for a long time. The person who was in bed next to him in hospital turned out to be a Bengali who became ill during his visit to South. Chakrapani, being the man he is ...quick learner and phenomenal penchant for languages..picked up the language and it's nuances with in short time and thus began his long journey into translation of Bengali classics..Infact most of them turned into films with ANR as the hero..
Subburaman's death does stay a mystery till date...a taboo about which not much is said anywhere. Some stories go that he was a diabetic and never took care of his health as he used to spend most of his time in studios adding finesse to a tune or other...It is a fact that Malladi Ramakrishna Sastry did give a couple of songs to this film..incognito.
Much is said about ANR fasting and getting that famished and dejected look on his face...but my vote always goes for Savitri, the greatest actress ever.. Her character goes from playful Parvati to a responsible step mother of grown up youngsters and wife for the aged CSR in a ziffy, yet She rose to the occasion with impeccable articulation.. May be i am partial towards her..
Now ..being born much after the release of the film, i saw it only in my teens...almost a quarter century after the original release...and yes, none of my friends agreed to accompany me.
The film took my breath away...is what i can say. I come from another generation where eloping and getting married is nothing new...where if someone refuses to elope, they will be termed as cowards....But seeing the drama on screen evolving, i had nothing but enormous pity for the jilted lovers. Infact, there is no character i would find fault with in the film . Every one is a prisoner of circumstances, upbringing and social restrictions. May be if i have to point out at one person...Peketi's Bhagawan would be the culprit. What i remember is the hush in the theater after the film was finished...a hush which transcends any meaningful babble, i guess. No heckling or joking about characters or circumstances was heard althrough the film...which it self is a certificate of tremendous acceptance..
Am sure Madhubala will be remembered by the fantastic photograph of her..where she turns a little bit to one side and laughs seductively....For Savitri, this picture does the justice...framed for ever in eternity. with wide questioning eyes and acceptance in eyes of the destiny...with tears in her eyes...She is indeed immortalized here...